Caldari Basic Ship and Skill Guide
From UniWiki
This guide provides general information and recommendations for T1 ships of a single player faction.
For more advanced and in-depth information on specific ships refer to the new ship index. This guide simply gathers the characteristics and overview of racial lineups in an easy to browse format for the very new player.
Contents |
Rookie Ship
The rookie ship is the first ship you start with. If you are Caldari, it will be an Ibis. A new rookie ship is given whenever you dock in your pod at a station where you do not have any ships.
Ibis
  |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: 10% bonus hybrid turret optimal range per skill level. The Caldari Ibis frigate is a small but stout frigate that fits admirably well as a cargo hauler or small-scale miner. Its reliability makes it a good choice for novice ship captains. |
Frigate
Frigates are small fast ships, used mostly for level 1 missions or for tackling and electronic warfare roles in PvP.
Condor
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: 5% bonus to light missile and rocket kinetic damage 10% bonus to light missile and rocket velocity per skill level. The Condor is fast and agile. It has limited cargo space so it's not very suitable for trading or mining. It is best used as an assault vessel in a hit-and-run type of operations. |
The Condor is the Caldari T1 scout ship, useful for quick transport of small cargo and some level 1 missions.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Condor, PvE Basic Skills Condor]
Light Missile Launcher I 1MN Afterburner I Overdrive Injector System I [empty rig slot] |
Condor, PvE Basic Skills Condor
Overdrive Injector System I
1MN Afterburner I
Small Shield Booster I
Light Missile Launcher I
Light Missile Launcher I
[empty high slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Scourge Light Missile
Energy Grid Upgrades I
Shield Operation I
Hull Upgrades I
Missile Launcher Operation I
Light Missiles I
Afterburner I
Caldari Frigate II
- Rocket Launcher modules would do more damage, but they have much shorter range and so are less favored for missions. But don't worry about having the 'perfect' fit for your Condor -- you shouldn't be using this ship for long.
Bantam
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: 5% bonus to cargo capacity and 20% bonus to mining laser yield per skill level. The Bantam is a strong and sturdy craft, and an extremely effective mining frigate. In addition, its large structure makes it ideal for trading and the Bantam is very popular among budding inter-stellar traders. |
The Bantam is the Caldari mining frigate. It is considered the best racial mining frigate due to its relatively large cargo bay.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Bantam, Mining Basic]
Miner I Civilian Shield Booster I Expanded Cargohold I [empty rig slot] |
Bantam, Mining Basic
Expanded Cargohold I
Mining Laser Upgrade I
Civilian Shield Booster I
[empty mid slot]
Miner I
Miner I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Electronics II
Mining III
Mining Upgrades I
Hull Upgrades I
Mechanic I
Caldari Frigate II
Spaceship Command I
- This fit has a very weak tank, so beware of belt rats and prepare to warp off when they attack you, or stay close to other mining ships with combat drones and hope that they help out and kill the rats.
- With Electronics III, you could add a second Civilian Shield Booster I, or you could replace the Expanded Cargohold I with a Co-Processor I and put a Small Shield Extender I in the empty mid slot.
- With Drones I and Scout Drone Operation I, you could load one light scout drone for defense.
Griffin
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: 15% bonus to ECM Target Jammer strength and 10% bonus to ECM Target Jammers' capacitor need per level. The Griffin is much used by the Caldari Navy as a support vessel in combat squadrons, using its impressive array of electronic gadgetry to disrupt the operation of target ships, making them easy prey for traditional combat vessels. |
The Griffin is an Electronic Counter Measure frigate, often seen in E-UNI fleets offering Electronic Warfare support. ECM is touted as the most useful form of Electronic Warfare as it operates by breaking enemy target locks and preventing them from re-acquiring targets for 20 secs. This has the potential to greatly reduce the amount of damage being directed at your fleet, prevent enemies from using Remote Repair modules on each other or to break Warp Disruption, allowing an escape. For new players interested in trying out ECM the Griffin is the ideal starting place on your way up to the Blackbird and eventually the Scorpion. Expect to lose them a lot though, as ECM boats are often called primary by enemy commanders.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Griffin, Fleet Standard]
Light Missile Launcher I ECM - Spatial Destabilizer I Signal Distortion Amplifier [empty rig slot] |
Griffin, Fleet Standard
Signal Distortion Amplifier
ECM - Spatial Destabilizer I
ECM - Phase Inverter I
ECM - Ion Field Projector I
ECM - White Noise Generator I
Light Missile Launcher I
Light Missile Launcher I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Hobgoblin I
Scourge Light Missile
Missile Launcher Operation I
Light Missiles I
Drones I
Scout Drone Operation I
Electronic Warfare III
- The drone is optional, although it is helpful to have already trained drone skills as you will need it down the road.
- Standard Missile Launchers will hit targets under 18.8km as base.
Heron
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: The Heron has good computer and electronic systems, giving it the option of participating in electronic warfare. But it has relatively poor defenses and limited weaponry, so it's more commonly used for scouting and exploration. |
The Heron is the T1 Caldari probing frigate. It is useful for probing down exploration sites and wormholes, though it is weak in combat so you should switch to a tougher ship to do any sites you find. While the Heron is a good starter exploration ship, its T2 cousin the Buzzard has a bigger probe strength bonus and the ability to cloak -- Caldari pilots interested in an exploration or scouting career should consider training towards the Buzzard in the medium term.
Kestrel
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: 10% bonus to Kinetic missile damage and 5% bonus to EM, Explosive, and Thermal missile damage per level. The Kestrel is a heavy missile boat with a fairly large cargo space and one of the most sophisticated sensor arrays around. Interestingly enough, it has been used by both the Caldari Navy and several wealthy trade corporations as a cargo-hauling vessel. It is one of few trading vessels with good punching power, making it ideal for solo trade-runs in dangerous areas. The Kestrel was designed so that it could take up to four missile launchers but instead it can not be equipped with turret weapons nor mining lasers. |
The Kestrel is a commonly flown frigate in EVE. This is due to its strong PvE capabilities with four standard launchers. It is an excellent choice for Level 1 missions and static complexes up to DED 2. It can be comfortably flown with fairly low skills, primarily due to its ability to 'Range Tank'. i.e.; stay at sufficient range to eliminate or mitigate a great deal of incoming damage. Furthermore, missile systems make for ideal starter weapons as they do not require capacitor energy (so reducing the need for good capacitor skills) and their damage is not affected by such factors as tracking, optimal ranges and falloff. This greatly simplifies matters for a beginning pilot.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Kestrel, PvE Basic Skills Kestrel]
Upgraded 'Malkuth' Light Missile Launcher 1MN Afterburner I Micro Auxillary Power Core [empty rig slot] |
Kestrel, PvE Basic Skills Kestrel
Micro Auxillary Power Core
Overdrive Injector System I
1MN Afterburner I
Small Shield Booster I
Small Shield Extender I
Upgraded 'Malkuth' Light Missile Launcher
Upgraded 'Malkuth' Light Missile Launcher
Upgraded 'Malkuth' Light Missile Launcher
Upgraded 'Malkuth' Light Missile Launcher
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Scourge Light Missile
Afterburner I
Electronics III
Shield Operation I
Shield Upgrades I
Caldari Frigate III
Missile Launcher Operation I
Light Missiles I
Engineering III
Energy Management II
Hull Upgrades I
Missile Projection III
- The Afterburner allows the pilot to control the range of engagement. It has a basic shield tank to keep the ship intact in those situations where you find yourself in the middle of a group of enemies, such as immediately after using a Warp Gate.
- Variations to consider for this fit include the use of Capacitor Control Circuit rigs to allow more extended use of the Shield Booster, swapping the Small Shield Extender for a Shield Boost Amplifier (would require Electronics V or a Co-Processor) or switching the Overdrive Injector System for Nanofiber Internal Structure. With Electronics IV it is possible to fit an Adaptive Invulnerability Field. However, this is generally not practical as the capacitor simply cannot sustain prolonged activation of this module.
- Missile Projection III is strongly recommended as this should give your launchers an approximate effective range of 24km - this is sufficient to stay out of range of most PvE enemies.
- Approximate ISK cost is 700,000 with the bulk of this cost being for the 'Malkuth' launcher variants. This can be greatly reduced by using Standard Missile Launcher I in their place. However, as 'Malkuth' versions have lower CPU requirements, this change will almost certainly require the use of a Co-Processor in one of the low slots.
Merlin
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: 5% bonus to shield resistances and 10% bonus to Small Hybrid Turret optimal range per skill level. The Merlin is the most powerful all-out combat frigate of the Caldari. It is highly valued for its versatility in using both missiles and turrets, while its defenses are exceptionally strong for a Caldari vessel. |
The Merlin is the most capable Caldari frigate for PvP but still falls behind the Rifter in effectiveness. Its unique selling point is the possession of four midslots which are very useful for tacklers. The merlin's one flaw is its mixed 2 turret and 2 launcher high slot layout, which limits its effectiveness at dealing damage.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Merlin, PvP Basic Skills Merlin]
Light Missile Launcher I 1MN MicroWarpdrive I Nanofiber Internal Structure I [empty rig slot] |
Merlin, PvP Basic Skills Merlin
Nanofiber Internal Structure I
Overdrive Injector System I
1MN MicroWarpdrive I
Sensor Booster I
Stasis Webifier I
Warp Disruptor I
Light Missile Launcher I
Light Missile Launcher I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Scourge Light Missile
Scan Resolution
Caldari Frigate III
Missile Launcher Operation I
Light Missiles I
High Speed Maneuvering I
Long Range Targeting I
Propulsion Jamming I
Shield Upgrades I
Hull Upgrades I
- This is a cheap, fast initial tackler for fleets. It dies easily, so be prepared to run away fast.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Merlin, PvP Tanky Merlin]
Rocket Launcher I 1MN Afterburner I Damage Control I [empty rig slot] |
Merlin, PvP Tanky Merlin
Damage Control I
Micro Auxiliary Power Core
1MN Afterburner I
Medium Shield Extender I
Stasis Webifier I
Warp Scramber I
Rocket Launcher I
Rocket Launcher I
150mm Light Autocannon I
150mm Light Autocannon I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Inferno Rocket
Phased Plasma S
Caldari Frigate III
Missile Launcher Operation I
Rockets I
High Speed Maneuvering I
Shield Upgrades I
Hull Upgrades I
Afterburner I
Engineering IV
Propulsion Jamming I
Energy Management II
Small Projectile Turret I
Shield Upgrades III
This heavier but slower tackler makes use of the Merlin's excellent shield tank, with over 3000 EHP against the weakest EMP resistance. The "recommended" skillset allows fitting of a microwarpdrive in place of the afterburner, if the guns are downgraded to 125mm. Weapon range is less than 4km without range-boosting skills, so you need to orbit close (watch out for smartbomb battleships). Choose ammo type to match your target.
Improving your fitting skills further or replacing meta-0 with named modules will free up even more powergrid for better weapons or T2 systems.
Destroyer
Destroyers are ships slightly larger than frigates. They use the same sized modules as frigates, have more high slots. They are often used in PvE for level 1 missions. They are rarely used in PvP, as their DPS is not impressive without high skills, although they sometimes fill the role of anti-interceptor.
Flying destroyers is not recommended for PvP Uni fleets. There are some exceptions, like Thrashers for a specialized Hit & Run fleet.
Cormorant
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Destroyer Skill Bonus: The Cormorant is the only State-produced space vessel whose design has come from a third party. Rumors abound, of course, but the designer's identity has remained a tightly-kept secret in the State's inner circle. |
The Cormorant has eight high slots, making it a good starting vessel to use for salvaging wrecks. Due to its small size it can move speedily across deadspaces, but also has enough cargo space to hold the salvage you collect.
When it is used in PvE as a combat ship (Level 1 missions and the Sisters of Eve storyline arc) it is strongly recommended that a 'kiting' technique is used, meaning that the capsuleer should keep his range from the NPC ships.
In PvP it suffers from a comparatively large signature radius, a fact inflicting all destroyers. This makes it easy to hit it with cruiser sized weapons while it only sports a frigate sized tank.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Cormorant, Salvager]
Small Tractor Beam I 1MN MicroWarpdrive I Expanded Cargohold II Small Salvage Tackle I |
Cormorant, Salvager
Expanded Cargohold II
1MN MicroWarpdrive I
Cap Recharger II
Cap Recharger II
Cap Recharger II
Small Tractor Beam I
Small Tractor Beam I
Small Tractor Beam I
Small Tractor Beam I
Salvager I
Salvager I
Salvager I
Salvager I
Small Salvage Tackle I
Small Salvage Tackle I
Small Salvage Tackle I
Afterburner III
Destroyers I
High Speed Maneuvering I
Navigation III
Armor Rigging I
Energy Grid Upgrades III
Jury Rigging III
Salvaging I
Caldari Frigate III
Hull Upgrades II
Mechanic III
Science III
- With one Expanded Cargohold it will hold enough to clear up virtually all L1 and L2 missions in a single trip. For bigger missions you might have to make multiple trips. Alternatively, you can place all the loot and salvage into a jetcan and come back to pick it up in an industrial.
- With the Cap Rechargers you shouldn't have problem with cap even under intense use. Even if it runs out of cap, it should regenerate very quickly.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Cormorant, Basic Missions]
125mm Railgun I 1MN Afterburner I Damage Control I [empty rig slot] |
Cormorant, Basic Missions
Damage Control I
1MN Afterburner I
Small Shield Booster I
Capacitor Recharger I
Capacitor Recharger I
125mm Railgun I
125mm Railgun I
125mm Railgun I
125mm Railgun I
125mm Railgun I
125mm Railgun I
125mm Railgun I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Afterburner I
Destroyers II
Hull Upgrades I
Energy Grid Upgrades II
Engineering IV
Cruiser
Cruisers are Eve's medium-sized ships. Cruisers are also the only class that has a Tech 3 version, in Caldari, that would be the Tengu. Caldari also have the Blackbird, an Electronic Warfare cruiser known for it's ECM capabilities. The Tech 2 version of Cruiser class ships are divided into four more specialized classes which is much more expensive than their Tech 1 equivalents: Recons (advanced force-multiplying electronic warfare platforms), Heavy Assault Ships (powerful damage-dealers), Heavy Interdictors (nullsec super-tacklers) and Logistics cruisers (remote repair platforms).
Osprey
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Cruiser Skill Bonus: 20% bonus to mining laser yield and 10% reduction in Shield Transport capacitor use per level. The Osprey offers excellent versatility and power for its low price. Designed from the top down as a cheap but complete cruiser, the Osprey utilizes the best the Caldari have to offer in state-of-the-art armor alloys, sensor technology and weaponry - all mass manufactured to ensure low price. In the constant struggle to stay ahead of the Gallente, new technology has been implemented in the field of mining laser calibration. A notable improvement in ore yields has been made, especially in the hands of a well trained pilot. |
The Osprey is primarily used as a mining vessel by Caldari pilots. Its 20% bonus to mining laser yield means that with high cruiser skills, it can outmine the Procurer mining barge. Caldari miners will tend to continue to use the Osprey until they are ready to fly a Retriever.
The Osprey can also be fitted out as a logistics vessel in fleets. Its skill bonus is focused on reduced shield repairing capacitor costs, and it has a large extended range for shield repairing.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Osprey, High Sec, Low Skill Miner]
Miner II Survey Scanner I Mining Laser Upgrade I [empty rig slot] Hobgoblin I Hobgoblin I Hobgoblin I |
Osprey, High Sec, Low Skill Miner
Mining Laser Upgrade I
Co-Processor I
Co-Processor I
Survey Scanner I
Large Shield Extender I
Civilian Shield Booster I
[empty mid slot]
Miner II
Miner II
Miner II
Small Tractor Beam I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Hobgoblin I
Hobgoblin I
Hobgoblin I
Hobgoblin I
Caldari Cruiser I
Electronics Upgrades I
Science III
Drones IV
Mining IV
Scout Drone Operation I
Electronics III
Mining Upgrades I
Shield Upgrades I
- Since the Osprey's cargohold is relatively small, you will most likely have to do Jetcan mining. The Small Tractor Beam allows you to drag your jetcan around while you mine.
- Unless you are extremely unfortunate, you are unlikely to be a target of suicide gank. Therefore you are more likely to worry about those annoying and pesky belt rats. Large Shield Extender I provides a buffer to your shield and the Civilian Shield Booster I gives you a small shield repair when your shield is damaged by belt rats. And no, unless you have Electronics V you will be unable to fit a Small Shield Booster.
- Hobgoblins to take care of belt rats. You can have a mixture of Mining Drones and Combat Drones if you wish, just remember to recall your mining drones when belt rats comes or you might find your mining drones under attack.
Blackbird
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Cruiser Skill Bonus: The Blackbird is a small high-tech cruiser newly employed by the Caldari Navy. Commonly seen in fleet battles or acting as wingman, it is not intended for head-on slugfests, but rather delicate tactical situations. |
The Blackbird is an excellent ewar cruiser -- in fact, given its ability to stop the enemy fighting, it might be the most dangerous Caldari T1 PvP cruiser. The main focus of any Blackbird fit should be the midslots, followed by the lowslots. Note, when flying a blackbird be careful as you likely will have little to no tank so you will be dependent on your jammers or your fellow Unistas to survive. Try to always fight aligned in a Blackbird, that means you select a close by planet or some such, hit align and then start jamming away. When you get shot at and you have no warp-disruptors on then you can go instantly to warp, allowing you to return to the fight again. A dead Blackbird is no use to anyone. You can find a detailed discussion of Blackbird fitting here.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Blackbird, PvP Rainbow/LSE]
Rapid Light Missile Launcher I 10MN MicroWarpdrive I Signal Distortion Amplifier I [empty rig slot] |
Blackbird, PvP Rainbow/LSE
Signal Distortion Amplifier I
Signal Distortion Amplifier I
10MN MicroWarpdrive I
ECM - Spatial Destabilizer I
ECM - Phase Inverter I
ECM - Ion Field Projector I
ECM - White Noise Generator I
Large Shield Extender I
Rapid Light Missile Launcher I
Rapid Light Missile Launcher I
Rapid Light Missile Launcher I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Nova Light Missile
Acceleration Control III
Afterburner III
Caldari Cruiser IV
Electronics IV
Electronics Upgrade I
Electronic Warfare IV
Energy Management III
Energy Systems Operation III
Engineering II
Evasive Maneuvering III
Frequency Modulation III
High Speed Maneuvering III
Missile Launcher Operation II
Light Missiles I
Shield Upgrades II
Long Distance Jamming III
Long Range Targeting III
Navigation III
Signature Analysis III
Targeting III
Warp Drive Operation III
Science I
- A 'rainbow' fit of jammers to specifically jam each of the four races is better than a fit with multispectral jammers in almost all situations. It's good to carry spare racial jammers in your cargohold so you can refit accordingly if you get intel about the enemy's fleet composition.
- The Large Shield Extender gives you a little buffer for extra warping-out time, without hurting your agility.
- If you're happy not having a tank, you could switch the LSE for a Sensor Booster or a fifth jammer. See also the 1600mm Blackbird below.
- The Missile Launchers are for shooting drones that attack you. Don't make a point of getting into AML range, because damage dealing isn't your job. Stick to your ECM optimal range.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Blackbird, PvP Rainbow/2Red/1600mm Plate]
10MN MicroWarpdrive I Signal Distortion Amplifier I [empty rig slot] |
Blackbird, PvP Rainbow/2Red/1600mm Plate
Signal Distortion Amplifier I
1600mm Reinforced Steel Plates I
10MN MicroWarpdrive I
ECM - Spatial Destabilizer I
ECM - Phase Inverter I
ECM - Phase Inverter I
ECM - Ion Field Projector I
ECM - White Noise Generator I
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Acceleration Control III
Afterburner III
Electronics IV
Electronics Upgrade I
Electronic Warfare IV
Energy Management III
Energy Systems Operation III
Engineering V
Evasive Maneuvering III
Frequency Modulation III
Caldari Cruiser IV
High Speed Maneuvering III
Hull Upgrades III
Long Distance Jamming III
Long Range Targeting III
Mechanic I
Navigation III
Signature Analysis III
Targeting III
Warp Drive Operation III
- A 'rainbow' fit of jammers to specifically jam each of the four races is better than a fit with multispectral jammers in almost all situations. It's good to carry spare racial jammers in your cargohold so you can refit accordingly if you get intel about the enemy's fleet composition.
- The 1600mm plate gives you a little buffer to help you escape, like an LSE. It slows you down, but hopefully you'll be fighting aligned anyway. The loss of one SDA will slightly reduce your jam strength and jam range.
- Even the T1 Meta 0 1600mm plate can be expensive for a new player, unlike the LSE. You also need Engineering V to get enough powergrid to squeeze it on.
- The extra midslot thus freed up can be fitted with a Sensor Booster, or a fifth jammer. This example fit has an extra Minmatar jammer for lowsec roams -- although Minmatar ships have weaker sensor strengths, they're also very popular with lowsec pirates. For war fleets or nullsec work you may want to consider a different race.
Caracal
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Cruiser Skill Bonus: 5% bonus Kinetic Missile Damage and 10% bonus to Light, Heavy Assault and Heavy Missile Velocity per level. The Caracal is a powerful vessel that specializes in missile deployment. It has excellent shield defenses, but poor armor plating. Its missile arsenal, when fully stocked, is capable of making a piece-meal of almost anyone. |
The Caracal is arguably the most effective Caldari cruiser for PvE. It receives strong bonuses to increasing the range of it's missiles, as well as a damage bonus to one specific line of missiles. It can fit an effective shield tank and keep opponents at bay while dealing damage to them from afar. Some skilled pilots can even handle L3 missions in such a ship.
There are some niche uses for the Caracal in PvP, for example as dedicated frigate-hunter as its Rapid Light Missile Launchers can deal a huge amount of DPS to frigates. With higher fitting skills it is also possible to equip it with a full rack of Heavy Missile Launchers and achieve ranges in excess of 130kms, possibly useful in forcing enemy Ewar cruisers off the field.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Caracal, PvE Basic Skills Caracal]
Prototype 'Arbalest' Rapid Light Missile Launcher Adaptive Invulnerability Field I Ballistic Control System I [empty rig slot] Hobgoblin I |
Caracal, PvE Basic Skills Caracal
Ballistic Control System I
Ballistic Control System I
Adaptive Invulnerability Field I
Em Ward Field I
Large Shield Extender I
Large Shield Extender I
10MN Afterburner I
Prototype 'Arbalest' Rapid Light Missile Launcher
Prototype 'Arbalest' Rapid Light Missile Launcher
Prototype 'Arbalest' Rapid Light Missile Launcher
Prototype 'Arbalest' Rapid Light Missile Launcher
Prototype 'Arbalest' Rapid Light Missile Launcher
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Hobgoblin I
Hobgoblin I
Scourge Light Missile
Electronics IV
Caldari Frigate IV
Caldari Cruiser II
Missile Launcher Operation I
Tactical Shield Manipulation I
Weapon Upgrades I
Shield Upgrades I
Afterburner I
Drones II
Scout Drone Operation I
- This setup is based on Thea Infinitas' Budget Caracal.
Moa
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Cruiser Skill Bonus: 10% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret optimal range and 5% bonus to shield resistance per level. The Moa was designed as an all-out combat ship, and its heavy armament allows the Moa to tackle almost anything that floats in space. In contrast to its nemesis the Thorax, the Moa is most effective at long range where its railguns and missile batteries can rain death upon foes. |
The Moa is the gunboat of Caldari cruisers, receiving bonuses to both hybrid turret range and shield resistance. Although some may use railguns with the optimal range bonus to keep their distance from a fight, others will choose to fit a strong shield tank and get closer with blasters to increase their DPS. Overall, this is not a very popular ship as most Caldari pilots choose missile weapon systems over hybrid turrets for their ease of use.
Battlecruiser
Battlecruisers are sometimes considered as a more powerful version of Destroyer class ships, they fit the same sized weapons as Cruisers and more widely used as a damage dealing ship than Destroyers. One of the most notable Battlecruiser class ship is probably the Caldari Drake, which is well known for it's tanking capabilities.
Ferox
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Battlecruiser Skill Bonus: 10% bonus to Medium Hybrid Turret optimal range and 5% bonus to all Shield resistances per level Designed as much to look like a killing machine as to be one, the Ferox will strike fear into the heart of anyone unlucky enough to get caught in its crosshairs. With the potential for sizable armament as well as tremendous electronic warfare capability, this versatile gunboat is at home in a great number of scenarios. |
The Ferox is a versatile battlecruiser capable of a strong passive or active shield tank and of over 125km optimal range with railguns or heavy kinetic and thermal damage with blasters. However, it is overshadowed by the Drake, whose seven bonused launchers far surpass the Ferox's unbonused five, and its hybrid turret range bonus is generally less favored than the damage bonus and additional turret of the Gallente Brutix battlecruiser.
| EFT Fitting |
|---|
| [Ferox, PvE Budget Ferox]
Heavy Missile Launcher I Large Shield Extender II Shield Power Relay I [empty rig slot] |
Ferox, PvE Budget Ferox
Shield Power Relay I
Shield Power Relay I
Shield Power Relay I
Shield Power Relay I
Large Shield Extender II
Large Shield Extender II
Ballistic Deflection Field I
Ballistic Deflection Field I
Shield Recharger II
Heavy Missile Launcher I
Heavy Missile Launcher I
Heavy Missile Launcher I
Heavy Missile Launcher I
Heavy Missile Launcher I
[empty high slot]
[empty high slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
[empty rig slot]
Hobgoblin I x5
Scourge Heavy Missile
Drones IV
Scout Drone Operation II
Long Range Targeting II
Energy Grid Upgrades II
Energy Management III
Energy Systems Operation III
Shield Management III
Shield Operation IV
Shield Upgrades IV
Tactical Shield Manipulation I
Heavy Missiles III
Missile Bombardment III
Missile Launcher Operation III
Missile Projection III
Rapid Launch III
Standard Missiles III
Battlecruisers III
Caldari Frigate IV
Caldari Cruiser III
Spaceship Command IV
- If the Drake is a little out of your price range, this should be able to get you (slowly) through a few of the easy-to-moderate level 3 missions, after which you should be able to reuse most of the modules.
- Missiles and hardeners are for Guristas Pirates rats.
Drake
 |
S H I P B O N U S E S Battlecruiser Skill Bonus: 5% shield resistance and 5% bonus kinetic damage of heavy missiles and heavy assault missiles per level Of the meticulous craftsmanship the Caldari are renowned for, the Drake was born. It was found beneath such a ship to rely on anything other than the time-honored combat tradition of missile fire, while the inclusion of sufficient CPU capabilities for decent electronic warfare goes without saying. |
Drake, Mission Basic
|
FITTINGS
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Drake, advanced PvE
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FITTINGS
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Drake, advanced PvP, HAM
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FITTINGS
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Battleship
Battleships are the biggest combat ships in the game before Capital-class ships. Battleships usually mount large sized weaponry and mostly used as a damage dealing combat ship in Eve, although there are several Battleships that have different role, such as the Scorpion.
Scorpion
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S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Battleship Skill Bonus: The first Scorpion-class battleship was launched only a couple of years ago, and those that have been built are considered to be prototypes. Little is known of its capabilities, but what has been garnered suggests that the Scorpion is crammed to the brink with sophisticated hi-tech equipment that few can match. |
The Scorpion is Eve's only dedicated ewar BS. With lots of space for jammers and substantial ECM range and strength, it can wreak a lot of havoc in PvP. But to free up midslots it's often forced to rely on a weak armour buffer tank (best supported by remote repairs) in its four lows, and like the Blackbird it's frequently primaried. Flying a Scorpion is a noble job, but usually a short one! The Scorpion also has a niche PvE use as a decoy in w-space combat, attracting fire from Sleepers with its ECM while its fleetmates repair it and deal damage.
| EFT Fitting |
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| [Scorpion, PvP Armor Scorp]
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I Prototype 100MN MicroWarpdrive I Damage Control II Large Trimark Armor Pump I Hammerhead II x5 |
Scorpion, PvP Armor Scorp
Damage Control II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
Energized Adaptive Nano Membrane II
1600mm Reinforced Rolled Tungsten Plates I
Prototype 100MN MicroWarpdrive I
'Umbra' I White Noise ECM
'Umbra' I White Noise ECM
Enfeebling Phase Inversion ECM I
Enfeebling Phase Inversion ECM I
BZ-5 Neutralizing Spatial Destabilizer ECM
BZ-5 Neutralizing Spatial Destabilizer ECM
'Hypnos' Ion Field ECM I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
Heavy Unstable Power Fluctuator I
Heavy Unstable Power Fluctuator I
Large Trimark Armor Pump I
Large Trimark Armor Pump 1
Large Trimark Armor Pump 1
Hammerhead II x5
Warrior II x5
Caldari Navy Inferno Cruise Missile
- This fit is proposed for fleets in E-UNI. It is expected that the capsuleer will have a diverse set of spare ECM jammers in their cargo hold; if targets are identified before engagement, it is encouraged for the FC to allow their ECM EWAR ships to dock up and refit their ships for the best setup for that engagement, if possible.
- Pilots that find themselves capping out more often than they'd like in prolonged engagements may wish to replace one of the cruise launchers with a heavy nos.
Raven
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S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Battleship Skill Bonus: 5% bonus to Cruise and Siege Launcher Rate Of Fire and 10% bonus to Cruise Missile and Torpedo Velocity per level. The Raven is the powerhouse of the Caldari Navy. With its myriad launcher slots and powerful shields, few ships can rival it in strength or majesty. |
The Raven is possibly the most used PvE ship for Level 4 missions as it has good range when fitted with Cruise Launchers (in addition to the usual effectiveness of selectable damage type from missiles) and can sport a good active shield tank (either cap-stable with a Large Shield Booster or a X-Large Shield Booster for non-cap-stable 'pulsing'). Its drawbacks are a small drone bay, usually filled with a flight of Light Drones and a flight of Medium ones. In addition it is a very slow ship, as most Caldari boats are.
For PvP it can be fitted with Torpedo Launchers to get good close range DPS or with Cruise missile Launchers for sniping distances. Its main strengths though lie in PvE.
| EFT Fitting |
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| [Raven, PvE Basic Raven]
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I X-Large Shield Booster II Capacitor Flux Coil II Large Capacitor Control Circuit I Hobgoblin II x5 |
Raven, PvE Basic Raven
Capacitor Flux Coil II
Capacitor Flux Coil II
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II
X-Large Shield Booster II
Shield Boost Amplifier II
Shield Boost Amplifier II
Ballistic Deflection Field II
Ballistic Deflection Field II
Heat Dissipation Field II
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
[empty high slot]
[empty high slot]
Large Capacitor Control Circuit I
Large Capacitor Control Circuit I
Large Capacitor Control Circuit I
Hobgoblin II x5
Hammerhead II x5
Scourge Cruise Missile
Combat Drone Operation IV
Drones V
Drone Durability III
Drone Interfacing IV
Drone Navigation IV
Gallente Drone Specialization II
Scout Drone Operation V
Electronics V
Long Range Targeting III
Signature Analysis III
Targeting IV
Engineering IV
Energy Grid Upgrades IV
Energy Management IV
Energy Systems Operation IV
Shield Compensation III
Shield Management V
Shield Operation V
Shield Upgrades IV
Tactical Shield Manipulation IV
Weapon Upgrades IV
Jury Rigging I
Cruise Missiles IV
Guided Missile Precision III
Heavy Missiles III
Missile Bombardment III
Missile Launcher Operation V
Missile Projection III
Rapid Launch IV
Light Missiles III
Target Navigation Prediction IV
Warhead Upgrades III
Evasive Maneuvering III
Navigation IV
Caldari Frigate IV
Caldari Cruiser IV
Caldari Battleship IV
Spaceship Command IV
- This fitting has missiles and hardeners fitted for Guristas Pirates rats. For Angel Cartel, try fitting an Explosion Dampening Field II, an Adaptive Invulnerability Field II, and a Cap Recharger II in the last three mids.
- Consider making it your goal to purchase more cap-efficent tank modules so that you can start using the Large Warhead Rigor Catalyst I in some of the rig slots. This will give you much better damage against smaller ships, to help out your drones.
- This fit is taken from Battleclinic, which has a long discussion of the pros and cons of various modules.
| EFT Fitting |
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| [Raven, RRBS Gang]
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I Prototype 100MN MicroWarpdrive I Ballistic Control System II Large Core Defense Field Extender I Warrior II x5 |
Raven, RRBS Gang
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II
Ballistic Control System II
Power Diagnostic System II
Damage Control II
Prototype 100MN MicroWarpdrive I
Sensor Booster II
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
Large Shield Extender II
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
'Arbalest' Cruise Launcher I
Large Energy Transfer Array II
Large Shield Transporter II
Large Core Defense Field Extender I
Large Core Defense Field Extender I
Large Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Warrior II x5
Valkyrie II x5
Wrath Cruise Missile
- This fit uses almost all of your cpu. If you are finding that you do not have enough, consider a Co-Processor instead of a Power Diagnostic System.
- The propulsion mod is used to close range quickly to get within energy transfer and remote repair range after jumping through gates.
Rokh
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S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Battleship Skill Bonus: 10% bonus to Large Hybrid Turret optimal range per level and 5% shield resistance per level Having long suffered the lack of an adequate hybrid platform, the Caldari State's capsule pilots found themselves rejoicing as the Rokh's design specs were released. A fleet vessel if ever there was one, this far-reaching and durable beast is expected to see a great deal of service on battlefields near and far. |
The Rokh is a solid shield-tanked hybrid turret platform. Although it doesn't have the raw damage bonuses found on the Megathron and Hyperion, its optimal bonus sometimes helps it deal more applied DPS when fitted with blasters. When rail-fitted it can achieve tremendous optimal ranges -- even, uselessly, beyond the hard 250km targeting range limit. Although it can be used for PvE, most Caldari mission-runners prefer missiles' flexibility and ease-of-use.
Industrial
Badger
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S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Industrial Skill Bonus: 5% Bonus Cargo Capacity and Max Velocity per skill level The Badger-class freighter is the main cargo-carrier for the Caldari State, particularly in long, arduous trade-runs. Its huge size and comfortable armament makes it perfectly equipped for those tasks, although the Caldari seldom let it roam alone. |
The Badger is the basic Caldari industrial hauler ship. It's useful to train to use a Caldari Industrial in order to haul ore from your jetcans to the station, or for filling with mission loot to haul to a trade hub in order to sell for larger profit margins. Level 3 courier missions will likely need a ship the size of a Badger to complete them.
Badger Mark II
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S H I P B O N U S E S Caldari Industrial Skill Bonus: 5% Bonus Cargo Capacity and Max Velocity per skill level The Badger Mark II is the latest version of the famous Badger, it's mostly used by the military or the mega corps for transports of goods of great value. The Mark II has stronger defenses and more high-tech equipment, making it one of the best freight carriers available. |
The Badger Mark II has a cargo hold noticeably larger than the Badger, and is better defended. However it is marginally slower at subwarp speeds, and takes longer to turn. In general though the larger cargo hold offsets the disadvantages and so training Caldari Industrial to III to fly this ship is definitely worth it, particularly if you constantly find yourself filling the Badger's hold.
Ammunition, Range, and Kiting
Missiles
In PvE you are likely to be using missiles, since missiles have some advantages over turrets in PvE, especially for new pilots. One of missiles' advantages is that each kind of missile comes in four versions, each of which does one of the game's four damage types.
This means you can always target the weaknesses of NPC enemies by selecting the missiles which will damage them most. You should select the missile that will hit their weakest resistance (so, for example, explosive missiles against the Angel Cartel) unless you're in a ship (like the Drake) which has per-level bonuses to kinetic damage. If you're in a ship with kinetic missile damage bonuses and you have the relevant ship skill (Battlecruiser, for the Drake) trained high enough then kinetic may do more damage.
Missile range is roughly (not exactly) flight time multiplied by speed. Missiles have no optimal or falloff, they are either in or out of range. The long range missiles popular in PvE often let you outrange the enemy, and a propulsion module (an afterburner or microwarpdrive) will hopefully let you kite the enemy and keep them at range.
Hybrid Turrets
If you've chosen to fight with hybrid turrets you should carry 3 types of ammo during missions, and switch when required. Use close range (antimatter or plutonium) ammo by default. If you are taking too much damage at close range, switch to medium range (lead or thorium) or long (iron or tungsten) range ammo and fire from further away.
Guns can suffer from tracking issues, so try using the 'keep at range' option instead of the 'orbit' option. With the amount of enemies in missions, orbiting is less likely to mitigate the total incoming damage from rats. Even close to optimal, when orbiting and using close range ammo, guns can sometimes have difficulty tracking enemies. Enemies should be kept close to optimal, this should keep angular velocity low to avoid suffering from tracking issues, and as long as enemies are within optimal there will be no reduction in damage.
To find out your optimal with ammo, load ammo in your guns, then right click and show info. The optimal displayed in the attributes will be adjusted for ammo and skills.
Tech and Meta Levels
These fittings were made mostly using Tech 1 Meta 0 modules, or Tech 2 for larger ships. This is partly to avoid confusion with higher meta names. Also, this insures that ship fittings are relatively cheap to get into without spending too much for new players with cash flow difficulties. During war, PvP fittings using Tech 1 Meta 0 modules are provided by the university.
Higher Meta items up to meta 4 will often be easier to fit than Tech 2, and are also heavily used for PvE where the extra effects from the item can be leveraged, but the loss from the cost kept to a minimum. Tech 2 is Meta 5, and harder to fit, since it has much higher skill requirements. Note that Meta 3 and 4 modules are expensive, often more expensive than Tech 2. Meta 1 and 2 modules will often be less expensive than Meta 0, simply due to supply and demand on the market.
Of particular note to Caldari pilots are the keywords for meta levels associated with highly needed Caldari modules. These include those for missiles, hybrid turrets, passive shield modules and active shield modules. Knowing the keywords for these might help spot them from standard mission drops or within contracts on the market. This is not an extensive or all inclusive list, only those of particular need within Caldari specialties. When in doubt, check the item information for its meta level or consult the market price for its value.
Missile Module Meta Levels
- Meta 1 - 'Malkuth'
- Meta 2 - 'Limos'
- Meta 3 - LL-NNNN (Where LL is a two character letter designator, and NNNN is a 4 character number designator.)
- Meta 4 - 'Arbalest'
Hybrid Turret Module Meta Levels
Blaster based:
- Meta 1 - Regulated
- Meta 2 - Limited
- Meta 3 - Anode
- Meta 4 - Modal
Railgun based:
- Meta 1 - Carbide
- Meta 2 - 'Scout'
- Meta 3 - Compressed Coil
- Meta 4 - Prototype I Gauss
Passive Shield Module Meta Levels
Shield Extenders:
- Meta 1 - Supplemental Barrier
- Meta 2 - Subordinate Screen
- Meta 3 - Azeotropic Ward
- Meta 4 - F-S9 Regolith
Active Shield Module Meta Levels
Shield Amps:
- Meta 1 - Ionic Field Accelerator
- Meta 2 - 5a Prototype
- Meta 3 - 'Stalwart'
- Meta 4 - 'Copasetic'
Shield Boosters:
- Meta 1 - Converse Deflection
- Meta 2 - Neutron Saturation
- Meta 3 - Clarity Ward
- Meta 4 - C5-L Emergency
Drones
Caldari ships never have large dronebays for their size, and never rely on drones as a primary weapon system. However, Caldari pilots should still train some drone skills for PvE and PvP combat since they provide useful supplementary DPS and are an essential defence for large ships; in L4 missions the most dangerous enemies can be frigates since, unlike all the other rats, they can warp scramble you, stopping you from escaping if your tank breaks. And light drones are the Raven's only effective defence against frigates. Consider Tech 2 light and medium drones a good medium-term goal.
Small drones kill frigates and destroyers, mediums drones hunt cruisers and battlecruisers, and heavy drones do well against battleships and reasonably well against battlecruisers.
As with missiles, you can pick the drone type that hits your enemy's weakest resist. (With the exception of Amarr drones, which do such low damage that it's not worth it.) Gallente drones have the highest damage multiplier, and thermal damage is the best or second best damage to deal against most rat types. For Level 1 to 3 missions, it's fine to exclusively use Gallente drones, although switching drones may make you more efficient. In Level 4 missions, consider varying between Gallente, Caldari and Minmatar drones to match rat weaknesses.
Watch for drone aggro. When arriving in a mission room, don't launch your drones until you've gotten the attention of a group of rats by shooting them. If a new wave of enemies arrives and attacks the drones or a new group of enemies aggro the drones, they should be recalled to the drone bay, and released only when you have full aggro. Under normal circumstances, you should never lose drones when using proper aggro management with rats.
Hot keys are recommended for drone management. They need to be initially launched manually from the drone window, though hot keys can be set for attack and return to drone bay.
In PvP Gallente and Minmatar drones are used almost exclusively. Gallente drones for their damage potential, Minmatar drones for their speed and explosive damage which armor tankers will not always patch.
Tank & Gank
Different rat (NPC pirates) factions have different damage type resistances, and deal different damage types.
Drones and hardeners should be switched around based on rat types.
Damage type resistance and dealt by rats can be found in the NPC Damage Types article.
Mission-specific damage profiles can be found on Eve Survival.
All EHP in this guide is given with EFT calculations, not in-game EHP.
Salvaging After the Mission
Salvaging boats are usually used to clean up rooms after missions are complete. To do so, make sure you bookmark one wreck for each room in the mission, since the acceleration gates will disappear after the mission has be turned in at the agent. Once the mission is turned in, the MWD can be used to propel the salvaging boat within tractor range faster.
For level 4 missions, many players switch from the destroyer to a battlecruiser. The hurricane is well liked as a salvaging boat for its speed (for a BC sized ship) and 8 high slots. The noctis is a great, if somewhat expensive, dedicated salvaging ship.
Related Links
- Basic Skills and Support Skills Training support skills is the first step in flying a ship well. Read up on support skills here.
- Fitting Guidelines Some general guidelines for fitting ships.
- Fitting Modules and Rigs Guide A list of rigs and module types with short descriptions.
- Full T2 Tank Having a full T2 tank is a requirement for many ships during wartime in the Uni. If you fly anything other than a T1 frigate, destroyer, or cruiser, make sure you have the required skills and recommended support skills for the type of tank you use.
- NPC Damage Types and NPC Ship Attributes To see which resists to use and damage type to deal against NPC rats.
- Creating an Alt Hauler Having an alt hauler can be essential to be able to make shopping trips during wartime.
- Failheap Challenge The new incarnation of Scrapheap Challenge. A good place for experienced pilots to find fittings, and many threads also had tactic discussions on how to use them.
